Signs You Need Attic Insulation

Let’s face it, older homes – and even some newer homes – were not designed or constructed with energy efficiency in mind. Unfortunately this can result in expensive energy bills and significant energy waste. One way to increase energy savings and lower utility bills is to ensure proper attic insulation in your home. Read below to learn the three major signs that your home might need attic insulation.

1. Your Home Experiences Heat Loss – Contrary to popular belief, having sufficient attic insulation isn’t just important during the summer months. Since hot air rises, it’s also important to have enough attic insulation during cold winter months. That way, the warmed interior air that’s costing you so much money will not seep into the attic, where it cannot be enjoyed by you and your family. Adding attic insulation is one of the best ways to reduce heat loss in the winter.

2. Your Home Experiences Heat Gain – If your attic bakes in the summertime and reaches temperatures over 110°F, you need to do two things: 1) prevent heat gain in the first place by having additional attic insulation installed, and 2) install an attic fan to push out the scorching attic air and replace it with cooler outdoor air. You can also talk to your attic insulation contractor about installing a radiant barrier or attic reflective insulation. Taking these steps will dramatically reduce heat gain, energy use, and your summer energy bills.

3. Your Home was Constructed Before 1980 – Did you know that more than 75% of homes built prior to 1980 do not have sufficient insulation? Unfortunately for many homeowners, it’s true. If you live in an older home that lacks additional attic insulation, there’s a very good chance that your existing insulation system is not strong enough to fully protect you from the outdoor elements. This not only means a reduction in comfort in the home, but significantly higher energy bills as well.

How to Improve your Home’s Attic Insulation

The best way to improve your home’s attic insulation is to hire a certified attic insulation contractor that is experienced and knowledgeable in this area of home energy savings.

• Inspect Your Existing Attic Insulation – A certified attic insulation contractor can visit your home to inspect your existing attic insulation and determine if or how much additional insulation is required. He or she will determine the type of insulation already in place, measure its thickness, and determine the R-value (resistance to heat flow) of the existing insulation. The insulation contractor can also look for areas in your attic that need to be sealed to protect your home from heat loss or heat gain.
• Ensure the Proper Attic Insulation R-value – If the certified attic insulation contractor determines that your existing attic insulation isn’t properly resisting heat flow, have them add to the existing system to increase the overall R-value. Insulation contractors often use spray foam insulation or blown insulation to provide additional attic insulation. Also keep in mind that R-value isn’t just a measure of the insulation’s thickness; it also takes into consideration the type of insulation material and its density. The overall R-value required to sufficiently insulate an attic will depend on your climate and the type of heating and cooling system used in your home.

If you live in an older home, or if your home experiences noticeable heat loss or gain, it’s time to contact a certified attic insulation contractor. Adding attic insulation will make your home more comfortable to live in, increase energy savings, reduce your carbon footprint, and drastically lower your energy bills.

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